Insider.com interviewed AEW President Tony Khan ahead of this week’s AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam special.
During it, he spoke about his decision to address CM Punk’s firing in front of Chicago fans at Collision the same day he fired Punk. When asked why he chose to speak from the ramp instead of the ring, Khan responded with the following explanation,
“You can’t see everybody’s face from the center of the ring. You have to choose one side of the crowd to face when you’re in the ring. And I wanted to be able to see everybody. I felt like, I’m not a wrestler and I don’t need to be in the ring, and for this moment, I thought I would just sit down and talk to everybody. That’s why I brought out a chair. And when I was done and walked backstage, the first person I saw was Ricky Steamboat and he said, ‘That was great, you turned the crowd. You turned them around. That’s so hard to do, and you did it.’ I felt I at least owed that much to the wrestlers and the fans, to go out there and talk to everybody.”
“Chicago is home to my family. I grew up in Champaign. I’ve been going to the United Center since it was first built when I was 11. My family was at the show, countless friends, everyone I grew up with. It meant a lot to go out and speak to the fans and be able to put on a great show.”
AEW President Tony Khan recently sat down for an interview with Insider.com ahead of the highly anticipated AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam special. One of the topics discussed was Khan’s decision to address CM Punk’s firing in front of Chicago fans at Collision on the same day he let go of Punk. Khan explained why he chose to speak from the ramp instead of the ring, providing insight into his thought process and the significance of the moment.
According to Khan, he opted to speak from the ramp because he wanted to be able to see everybody’s face in the crowd. Being in the center of the ring would limit his visibility to only one side of the audience, and he wanted to connect with everyone present. As a non-wrestler, Khan felt that he didn’t need to be in the ring for this particular moment. Instead, he decided to sit down and have a conversation with the fans, which is why he brought out a chair.
Khan’s decision to address the crowd from the ramp was met with positive feedback. Wrestling legend Ricky Steamboat praised him for successfully turning the crowd around, a difficult task in the wrestling industry. Khan felt that it was important to show respect and appreciation to both the wrestlers and the fans by going out there and speaking directly to them.
The significance of Chicago in this particular moment cannot be overlooked. Khan has deep ties to the city, as it is home to his family and where he grew up. He has been attending events at the United Center since he was just 11 years old. With his family, countless friends, and people he grew up with in attendance, it held a special meaning for him to address the fans and put on a great show.
Khan’s decision to speak from the ramp instead of the ring highlights his commitment to connecting with the audience and creating a memorable experience for both the wrestlers and the fans. By choosing a more intimate setting, he was able to engage with the entire crowd and ensure that his message reached everyone. This approach demonstrates Khan’s understanding of the importance of fan engagement and his willingness to go above and beyond to deliver a meaningful experience.
As AEW continues to make waves in the wrestling industry, Tony Khan’s decision to address CM Punk’s firing from the ramp in front of Chicago fans serves as a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. It showcases his ability to make strategic choices that resonate with both the audience and the performers, solidifying his role as a respected figure in the world of professional wrestling.